Conservancy Constitution Review exercise at Naibunga Central and Lekurruki Community conservancies

In collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) and with technical support from a legal consultant, we convened a two-day Conservancy Constitution Review Exercise at Naibunga Central Community Conservancy and Lekurruki Community Conservancy on 18th–19th March 2026.

The exercise brought together Conservancy Land Management Committees (CLMCs), KWCA representatives, LCA representatives, and a legal expert to critically review existing conservancy constitutions and strengthen governance frameworks guiding conservancy operations.

Strengthening Governance Foundations

The review focused on the role of conservancy constitutions as foundational governance tools that define leadership structures, decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms, and community rights. Participants emphasized the need for constitutions that are clear, practical, and responsive to evolving community governance needs.

A detailed clause-by-clause review was conducted, covering leadership roles, election procedures, conflict resolution mechanisms, benefit-sharing arrangements, and community representation structures.

Enhancing Inclusion and Accountability

In Naibunga Central Conservancy, discussions centered on improving clarity of roles and responsibilities within CLMC structures, strengthening accountability systems, and expanding member rights to enhance transparency in decision-making.

In Lekurruki Conservancy, emphasis was placed on improving inclusivity, particularly the representation of women, youth, and marginalized groups, alongside strengthening fairness and integrity in elections and leadership transitions.

The legal consultant provided technical guidance to ensure all proposed amendments align with legal frameworks and best practices in community governance.

Key Outcomes and Next Steps

The review process successfully identified key sections requiring amendment, with strong emphasis on governance clarity, inclusivity, and accountability. All inputs from CLMC members will be consolidated into draft revised constitutions by KWCA, with support from LCA and the legal expert.

The draft documents will then be shared with conservancies for validation and final approval.